Unwanted Horse Coalition Elects Chair, Names Coordinator

(Edited press release)During the week of Oct. 2, the Unwanted Horse Coalition elected Dr. Tom Lenz to serve as chairman and named Katy Carter as the coalition's coordinator.

A past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lenz is known for his work in the veterinary and horse community. During his 30-year veterinary career, Lenz has worked in private practice, academia, and corporate business. Active in the equine industry, Lenz is a member of the American Horse Council's Animal Welfare Committee and serves on the research committee of the American Quarter Horse Association. He has been involved in the Unwanted Horse Coalition since its inception.

"It is a privilege to continue to serve this group and the horse industry in fulfilling our responsibilities to address this issue," Lenz said.

Katy Carter has served in both legislative and press capacities in the House of Representatives, most recently for former congressman Jack Quinn of New York. A veteran equestrian, Katy competed hunters and jumpers for 15 years and has more recently taken up three-day eventing. She owns two Thoroughbreds, both ex-racehorses.

The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care of the horse.

"The coalition has already begun collecting materials that might be considered helpful in reducing the number of horses that slip into the 'unwanted' category each year," Lenz said. "Papers or booklets regarding the responsibilities of horse ownership, costs associated with ownership, appropriate care, welfare issues, alternative uses of horses, sale and placement options, rescue and retirement facilities, euthanasia and disposal would be very helpful. Any specific informational/educational materials outlining and describing the available options for horse owners that find themselves in possession of an equine they are no longer able to care for would be particularly helpful."